Much remains to be done to reduce debt: President

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that several efforts have been taken by the government over the past one and a half years to reduce the country’s debt, and that much remains to be done in this regard.

The President made this remark while speaking at the official inauguration of the Laamu Kunahandhoo Harbour Project today.

The President said that these efforts would become much easier once the parliament passes the revenue bills.

Pointing out that the parliament has rejected the government’s bill on increasing the service charge collected from foreign passengers on departure, the President said that the government pursues every opportunity to increase the government’s revenue, in order to ensure a better life for the people.

The President underlined the great amount of debt the country was in at the time of his assumption of office, and the efforts taken by the government in the last one and a half years to pay off most of that debt.

He pointed out that the establishment of proper sewerage systems in the islands is also essential for the development of the country.

He said that a harbour is essential for every island; however, given the fiscal state of the country, it was not yet possible to construct harbours in every island.

The President said that 113 islands are currently facing erosion, and appealed to carry out projects in the islands giving high consideration for people’s opinions, efficient surveying, and methods which do not cause environmental damage to the islands.